A Peek at Penn's Past
(culled from old issues of Almanac)

This Month in Penn's History

40 Years Ago

5/63--An endowed professorship, the Gaylord P. Harnwell and Mary Louise Harnwell Chair, was established in honor of the atomic physicist's 10th anniversary as Penn's president.

5/63--The University sent out acceptances to 2,760 prospective freshmen for the 1,375 slots available; there were 5,200 applicants, according to Dean of Admissions William G. Owen.

5/63--Five faculty members won Guggenheim fellowships, including Dr. Loren C. Eiseley.

5/63--Dr. Roy F. Nichols, vice provost, dean of Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and professor of history [for whom Nichols House would later be named], was elected vice president of the American Philosophical Society.

30 Years Ago

5/1/73--Five faculty members were elected to the National Academy of Sciences, including Dr. Lawrence R. Klein, professor of economics [who would later go on to win the Nobel Prize].

5/1/73--Dr. Scott Nearing, W '05--an economics professor, who in 1915 was dropped from the faculty--was named Honorary Emeritus Professor of Economics by President Martin Meyerson. Dr. Nearing's termination and the subsequent controversy led to "academic freedom" and the growth of AAUP.

5/8/73--The School of Social Work building was to be dedicated on May 19 in honor of Harold J. Caster, '21, in recognition of the Caster Family Foundation gifts.

5/8/73--The Moore School of Electrical Engineering, where ENIAC was created, celebrated its 50th anniversary.

5/29/73--The University City New School was to open in the fall at 51st and Spruce Streets to provide an alternative, integrated curriculum.

20 Years Ago

5/10/83--Biology building was dedicated to Dr. David R. Goddard, architect of Pennsylvania's "second renaissance" in the biological sciences.

5/17/83--Author Chaim Potok, one of 1983's honorary degree recipients, spoke at the Baccalaureate ceremony for the 227th Commencement.

5/17/83--Groundbreaking ceremony for the addition to Hillel's facility on 36th Street, next to the Christian Association Building.

10 Years Ago

5/18/93--Hilary Rodham Clinton delivered the Commencement speech at the 237th Commencement.

5/11/93--Ongoing investigation of the removal of The Daily Pennsylvanian on April 15, 1993 and investigation of public safety practices took place.

5/25/93--A series of press conferences marked the conclusion of the controversial "Water Buffalo" case.

  Almanac, Vol. 49, No. 34, May 27, 2003